Education
Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.
Samba Rhythms - Part 1: The Importance of the Tamborim
Hello, and welcome to a new series on Brazilian samba drumming! It’s a great pleasure to be discussing Brazilian rhythms and my approach to this style on the drumset. Generally, I feel that Brazilian rhythms can be divided into three…
On Relaxation - An In-Depth Study to Develop Consistency
When executing individual stroke types, it’s important that our approach remains consistent no matter what type of stroke is played. It’s very easy for drummers to be more aggressive when playing a downstroke, or rapidly pull away from the drum…
The Modern Drummer Guide to Reading Rhythms - Part 1
Part 1: Fundamental Elements of Music Notation
Working With Click Tracks And Drum Machines
In clinics, I'm repeatedly asked about working with click tracks and drum machines, perhaps because I work so much with them...
Drumming And Burnout
A number of years ago, I had a student who was determined to become the world's greatest drummer.
Careers In Drumming
Virtually every young drummer dreams of being a star at one time or another. We would all like to see ourselves on stage whipping out a dazzling drum solo for thousands of adoring and screaming fans. We can imagine what…
Balance
One of the most important aspects of playing the drumset, and one that is often neglected by many players, is that of balance. Too many times rock drummers play with no bottom (i.e., too much cymbal volume, and too little…
Tips Toward More Effective Practice
At one time or another, we've all heard that ageless expression:
Paradille Funk
There seems to be a lot of controversy today concerning the usefulness and importance of drum rudiments. This column is not an attempt to justify all of the 26 American Drum Rudiments but, rather, to demonstrate how we can take…
Drumming And Experience
One of the most frustrating things for a young drummer to hear is, “Kid, you have talent. Get some experience, and come back and see me,” or the equally discouraging, “You play well, but you lack experience.” I have seen…
The Shuffle
One might be hard pressed to find anything more musically exciting than a good drummer setting fire to a band by laying down a strong, straight-ahead shuffle beat. The shuffle is a very dynamic rhythmic feel. It has been used…
Drumming And Electronic Drums
Drummers have different ideas and attitudes toward electronic drums. For example, I have heard drummers say, “The electronic drums are great; I don’t need acoustic drums any longer.” I have also heard the comment, “Those things sound awful. I refuse…
Drumset Ergonomics - Part 5: Positioning the Hi-Hat, Ride, and Rack Toms
Welcome back! The final two articles in this series will focus on the placement of primary and secondary suspended instruments, with an emphasis on preserving shoulder health. Primary suspended instruments are the ones we play most often (hi-hat, ride, and…
